Synopsis
Its the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic chapter by chapter as they explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about lifes big questions. Because reading fiction doesnt just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.
Episodes
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Wrap-Up: The Chamber of Secrets
10/02/2022 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Chamber of Secrets with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Harry's sense of belonging at Hogwarts, Dumbledore's flaws, and Hagrid's growing family of pets/friends.We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Love: Dobby’s Reward (Book 2, Chapter 18)
03/02/2022 Duration: 50minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the Weasley family's reunion, the pattern of Dumbledore's poor hiring decisions, and Dobby as free elf. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what must we add to our love (intention, reflection, justice?) in order to truly act lovingly?Thank you to Leah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Compassion: The Heir of Slytherin (Book 2, Chapter 17)
27/01/2022 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Compassion in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Harry’s introduction to the real Tom Riddle, Fawkes’s heroic entry, and the perils of journaling. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does understanding the root of our compassion lead us to act in more kind and loving ways towards others?Thank you to Laura for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Dobby’s Reward, through the theme of Love.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Yearning: The Chamber of Secrets (Book 2, Chapter 16)
20/01/2022 Duration: 42minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Yearning in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Moaning Myrtle's big reveal, Lockhart's (lack of) responsibility in crisis, and Hermione's scrunched up clue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to yearn, and how is this different from other forms of desire?Thank you to Kayla for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin, through the theme of Compassion.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Charm: Aragog (Book 2, Chapter 15)
13/01/2022 Duration: 38minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Charm in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Matt's charming children, Ernie Macmillan's earnest apology, and the children's total inability to charm Aragog. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is charm like a spell, and what conditions allow that spell to be successful?Thank you to BA for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, The Chamber of Secrets, through the theme of Yearning.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Humility: Cornelius Fudge (Book 2, Chapter 14)
06/01/2022 Duration: 52minVanessa and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Humility in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the line between humility and humiliation, Hermione's petrification, and Hagrid's arrest. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can humility help us to build stronger relationships and adapt to a changing world?Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, Aragog, through the theme of Charm.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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A Christmas Poem from Casper: Good Bones by Maggie Smith (Warning! Features a swear word!)
25/12/2021 Duration: 01minEvery Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Good Bones' by Maggie Smith.We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 6th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Minerva McGonagall
21/12/2021 Duration: 28minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Minerva McGonagall (with special guest Margaret H. Willison!) with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Community: The Very Secret Diary (Book 2, Chapter 13)
16/12/2021 Duration: 49minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Community in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the wonderful HPST community, Lockhart's vision for Valentines Day, and Harry's introduction to Tom Riddle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can community help us through difficult times?Thank you to Raj for this week’s voicemail! We'll be taking a break for the holidays, but we'll see you in the new year for Chapter 14, Cornelius Fudge, which we will be reading with very special guest Jackson Bird, through the theme of Humility.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Guilt: The Polyjuice Potion (Book 2, Chapter 12)
09/12/2021 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Guilt in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the intentions of the Sorting Hat, how having a sense of purpose can relieve us of feeling guilty, and Draco's passion for the news. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are guilt (the feeling) and guilt (the fact) related?Thank you to Justus for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 13, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of Community.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Hannah Abbott
08/12/2021 Duration: 21minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Hannah Abbott with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Shame: The Dueling Club (Book 2, Chapter 11)
02/12/2021 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Shame in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with special guest Casper ter Kuile! This week they discuss the highs and lows of sleep-away camp, Crabbe's potion-making skills, and Harry's newly discovered fluency in Parseltongue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what lies on the other side of shame?Thank you to Prabhanjan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 12, The Polyjuice Potion, through the theme of Guilt.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Patreon Bonus - Matt & Vanessa's Every Flavored Bean!
01/12/2021 Duration: 12minWe hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content! Each week patrons receive bloopers, a bonus discussion, and more. In this episode, Matt and Vanessa discuss ideas for their own Lockhart style memoirs.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dignity: The Rogue Bludger (Book 2, Chapter 10)
25/11/2021 Duration: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Dignity in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Lockhart's dignity, or lack thereof, athletes practicing ballet, and Dobby's big reveal. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there an inherent human dignity that cannot be stripped away by others?Thank you to MJ for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, The Dueling Club, with very special guest Casper Ter Kuile, through the theme of Shame.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Cho Chang
23/11/2021 Duration: 19minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Cho Chang with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Hate: The Writing On The Wall (Book 2, Chapter 9)
18/11/2021 Duration: 42minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Hate in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the discovery of Mrs. Norris's petrified body, Justin Finch-Fletchley's new fear of Harry, and the trio's Polyjuice Plan. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is hatred a distinct and particular form of animosity?Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 10, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of Dignity.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Frustration: The Deathday Party (Book 2, Chapter 8)
11/11/2021 Duration: 45minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Frustration in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the difference in how Nearly Headless Nick and Argus Filch handle their respective frustrations, the Headless Hunt's rules and regulations, and Moaning Myrtle's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is frustration the inability to close the gap between what you believe you should be able to do, and what you are actually able to do?Thank you to Emma for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 9, The Writing On The Wall, through the theme of Hate.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Lily Potter
09/11/2021 Duration: 30minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Lily Potter with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Forgiveness: Mudbloods and Murmurs (Book 2, Chapter 7)
04/11/2021 Duration: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Forgiveness in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Ron's broken wand, the book's possible critiques of retaliation, and Hagrid's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we understand forgiveness without putting an unfair burden on victims?Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Deathday Party, through the theme of Frustration.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Narcissism: Gilderoy Lockhart (Book 2, Chapter 6)
28/10/2021 Duration: 43minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Narcissism in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the efficacy of Molly's Howler in teaching Ron his lesson, Justin Finch-Fletchley's introduction to the trio, and Lockhart's teaching style. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we better see and respond to the needs of those around us?Thank you to Maggie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, Mudbloods and Murmurs, through the theme of Forgiveness.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.